A new single release from Total Corner has a wonderful way of bringing out a unique and driving energy balance with soft and dreamy vocals that all come together to break into an indie rock and almost contemporary track and soundscape all done with heart and pure love for the craft.
"Birds" has this sort of smooth classic jazzy undertone to it and the guitars themselves really lend a hand to that side of things while the drumming keeps things in motion but also breaks into these bursts of fiery tribal sections that give the song these moments of edginess that really blend well with the flow of everything.
One of the things I really loved about this song was the time signature changes and the progression of it because they're definitely a few surprises around those corners the first time you listen to the track and they're absolutely delightful and really showcase how this band is able to articulate their music down to a pinpointed section of changes that are so cool that you almost have to listen to it a few times just to soak it all in properly.
You can clearly tell that this was put together by people who are in love with writing and recording songs with each other and there are plenty of intricacies and attention to detail throughout the track but it never loses that character that it starts off with in the first place and that has a lot to do with not just the vocals, but the entire band.
The guitars are clean for the most part and they blend that jazz and indie rock vibe very well and the track has a certain color and energy to it.
That energy is something that's very addictive and again, has these bursts of changes here and there that really grab at you but the thing that got me was the fact that it feels like this was all recorded live on the floor because it's as if the players are feeding off of each other the entire time.
Those vibes and energies are just flying back and forth throughout the track and although everything is time super well, there is this natural element to it.
This truck has a definite flow and that flow allows the song to have this feeling of being alive and breathing which is quite beautiful and I really enjoyed the little sort of escape that you get with this track as well.
The vocals are beautifully done and have the ability to let you get washed away with them as they Sway and swell with intensity back and forth along with the music.
So when I say this track has character I mean the whole song has this particular character in persona to it that you get sort of drawn into.
With the release of such a well-woven single, we wanted to have a sit-down with Total Corners to find out where this track came from and what might be coming up next for the band.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with "Birds"! This track had a personal touch and a classic pop undertone! How did this release come about?
We listen to a wide variety of music and often draw inspiration from bands like The Beatles and Wet Leg particularly when it comes to storytelling through pop-like melodies. “Birds” became a folk-inspired take on that classic sound.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a band?
We both attended the University of New Haven and met when Alex, our drummer, interviewed Julia for a class assignment. From then on, we started jamming and developing originals together. We experimented with different members/styles but felt the duo complimented our sound the most.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
Inspiration for songs comes from anywhere and everywhere. Typically the guitar riff will start kicking around my brain before I ever set an intention for the song. Once melodies begin to solidify, lyrics emerge in an unconscious, “free association” sort of way. Life inspires all music. This release has some great approaches to it!
Buzz Slayers: Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
We both come from different musical backgrounds, yet we feel these distinctions create excitement in our playing. Alex was first moved by bands like Rush, Led Zeppelin, and Cream. Whereas Julia’s early listening was rooted in The Cure, Green Day, and The Smiths. We connect through alternative, grunge, punk, and jazz, but these early influences shaped our playing styles quite differently.
Buzz Slayers: What are you guys doing when you're NOT working on music?
Alex is currently completing an MBA in marketing and digital marketing, and Julia works full-time doing Alzheimer’s research in Chicago. Needless to say, this is a busy stage of life, but we always make time to consume art and music. We also enjoy attending as many live shows as possible.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in all your headphones right now?
Julia: Haley Heynderickx, black midi, and Do Nothing
Alex: Yard Act, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Dry Cleaning
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Unfortunately, we are on a hiatus since we live in two different states. We hope to get back to it in the future.
Buzz Slayers: Do you record these at a big studio, or do you have a home studio set-up?
“Birds” was recorded in Studio A at the University of New Haven. We are so grateful to work with Rose Room Records for all tracking/mixing/mastering. Big shoutout to our amazing engineer, smudgeout, for connecting with this track on a deep level with us.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Stay tuned for more singles from us. We operate pretty chaotically and are excited to show you the different dimensions of our music. Don’t even bother wearing socks.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
“Birds” is out on all platforms. Go give it a listen, shoot us a DM @totalcornerofficial, and tell us what you think. TC OUT!!
Comments